Overview
- A parent’s social‑media post this week cataloging sexually suggestive and frightening commercials during playoff games prompted a wave of complaints from fans and athletes.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 14 Los Angeles outfielder Alex Call quoted that post and asked MLB and its broadcast partners to remove what he called “soft porn” ads so parents can watch games with their children.
- The spots flagged include a Novig campaign starring Sydney Sweeney, a Megan Fox advertisement for an erectile‑dysfunction product, and a horror‑movie trailer, and several athletes have said the ads sexualize women or undermine women’s sports.
- Novig’s CEO has defended the campaign, but Major League Baseball has not issued a formal response and reporting notes that networks and advertisers generally sell and place national postseason ad inventory.
- The dispute matters because playoff broadcasts reach millions, creating a tension between ad revenue from gambling and adult‑oriented brands and MLB’s family‑friendly messaging, and the next developments to watch are any changes by networks, advertisers or the league.